In a statement released to ANN,
Northrop Grumman said its new cockpit goes beyond allowing the
pilot to fly the aircraft. The mission computer and software of
this integrated system has been designed to allow either the pilot
or the co-pilot to participate as a fourth mission-system
operator.

In addition, the cockpit will integrate aircraft navigation,
control and display functions to provide enhanced situational
awareness for the pilot.The system will be integrated and tested at
Northrop Grumman's integration laboratory facilities in Woodland
Hills prior to aircraft installation in St. Augustine (FL).

"The tactical cockpits in these aircraft integrate the latest
technologies in avionics equipment," said Alexis Livanos, vice
president and general manager of the Navigation Systems Division.
"They benefit from our experience in developing and integrating the
cockpits for the H-1 attack and utility helicopters and utilize
many elements of hardware and software that are common with these
platforms. This cockpit system will enable the display of the
Advanced Hawkeye's improved threat-detection capabilities to Navy
pilots.The new cockpit reduces the requirement for discrete
instruments, gauges and displays, which improves situational
awareness for the pilot."

The system design and development
phase will occur over the next four years and will include support
of aircraft integration and flight testing. There are plans to
produce 75 new Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The majority of the work
during the cockpit's system design and development phase will take
place at the Woodland Hills facility, with production occurring at
the company's Salt Lake City facility.

The E-2 Advanced Hawkeye will give the Navy improved threat
detection capabilities over both land and water, with increased
range and precision, and will also be the foundation for the Navy's
theater air-missile defense-detection capability.